According to the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity at the current rate of progress. That’s roughly five generations from now.
It would be fair to say that progress is happening, but it’s far too slow.
After all, there has never been a lack of inspirational women in the tech industry – from Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper and Anita Borg, Reshma Saujani and Gwynne Shotwell, to Susan Wojcicki, Sheryl Sandberg, Kimberly Bryant, Sue Black, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and Lisa Su. Or in the world of advertising and marketing – from Helen Lansdowne Resor, Bernice Fitz-Gibbon and Margaret Molloy, to Maryam Banikarim, Ann Lewnes, Karen Blackett and Ruth Mortimer.
The list is endless. The industry has been shaped by their contributions and continues to evolve. Representation matters. When women see other women thriving in tech, advertising and marketing roles, it creates a ripple effect of inspiration and possibility.
However, I am aware that we simply cannot rest on our laurels when it comes to continuing to bang the drum for gender parity. While we’ve come a long way, there’s still plenty of road to travel before we achieve full equality. It is simply essential when it comes to growing the tech, advertising and marketing industries and facilitating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
We all have to play our part – including me. We know that true progress isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about creating a culture where women can genuinely thrive. That starts with ensuring that each voice is heard, valued and empowered to make a difference.
Culture is key – innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together.
Having strong female leadership also plays a critical role. It ensures that women’s voices are heard and valued at all levels of the business. But it goes beyond this, everyone must be encouraged to bring their ideas to the table – and their contributions are actively recognised and respected.
It doesn’t end there. It’s about trusting employees by providing them with the flexibility to work in ways that help every one succeed in both their professional and personal lives. Ensuring that balancing career ambitions with other commitments is achievable. So, no mandatory four days in the office.
Alongside benefits designed to provide support for growing families – from adoption policies, shared parental leave, and enhanced maternity & paternity pay. These are thankfully now more commonplace, as they are vital.
I am aware that this is just a drop in the ocean. To be part of the solution there is much more that I can do, personally, to ensure that the next generation of tech, advertising and marketing leaders includes more women, more perspectives and more innovation. That means ensuring that I’m amplifying women’s voices in meetings, calling out bias when I see it, encouraging female colleagues to go for promotions, and supporting school initiatives to introduce girls to tech careers. Small actions like these, collectively, can drive real change.
This International Women’s day, I believe it isn’t important to just celebrate the women shaping our industry today. But, be actively committed to working toward a future where gender parity isn’t a pipe dream.
Because waiting over a century? That’s simply not an option.
Nicky Bradley – Marketing Director | UniLED
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